Two New Species of Begonia sect. Erminea (Begoniaceae) from the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar

Begonia duruisseaui Scherber. and B. rahajasoae Scherber., both endemic to the Masoala Peninsula in northeast Madagascar, are described and illustrated. They both belong to Begonia L. sect. Erminea A. DC. The former is related to B. tsimihety Humbert from which it differs by its fewer, larger leaves, with finely denticulate margins and a villous inflorescence. The latter is morphologically related to B. bogneri Ziesenh. and the recently described B. ambodiforahensis Scherber. & Duruiss., although it differs from both by the combination of very narrow leaves with clearly demarcated petioles and blades, which are villous and pilose, respectively.

Optimizing conservation policy: the importance of seasonal variation in hunting and meat consumption on the Masoala Peninsula of Madagascar

Studying seasonal hunting patterns can be critical for developing sound actions for conservation and public health. As availability of funds to implement conservation policy is limited, it is essential to focus efforts during the most critical times of year. During July 2011–June 2012 I recorded direct observations of hunting of forest mammals, and conducted daily 24-hour recall surveys (2 weeks per month over 11 months: August 2011–June 2012), and interviews of all households in a focal village on the Masoala Peninsula of Madagascar to investigate (1) what drives seasonal hunting patterns and (2) how seasonal variation in consumption of wildlife and domestic meat affects native species and people. There is marked seasonal variation in hunting of forest mammals and in the consumption of fish and domesticated livestock on the Masoala Peninsula. Hunters target bushpigs Potamochoerus larvatus and tenrec and lemur species during the austral winter (March–August), whereas more native and introduced carnivorans, fish and domesticated livestock are consumed during the austral summer (September–February). The results suggest that seasonal variation in hunting patterns is driven by the physical and behavioural characteristics of prey rather than seasonal scarcity of alternative meat. Seasonal hunting and meat consumption on the Masoala Peninsula may amplify the negative impact of hunting on native carnivorans and tenrecs (which are hunted when they are pregnant and lactating), and the positive impact of consumption of lemurs, bushpigs and tenrecs on human health. This study highlights an important aspect of hunting on the Masoala: the decision whether or not to hunt is made independently of decisions regarding when to hunt particular species.

New taxa of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Madagascar VI. Impatiens otto-eleonorae, a new species from Masoala Peninsula, and notes on the taxonomic relationships of Impatiens firmula and I. hildebrandtii

The new species Impatiens otto-eleonorae Eb.Fischer & Rahelivolona from Masoala Peninsula is described. It is related to Impatiens hildebrandtii Baill. from Eastern Central Madagascar, but differs in the larger habit and flowers. The types of Impatiens firmula Baker and I. hildebrandtii are reinvestigated. Both taxa, previously considered to be identical, represent different species, and Impatiens hildebrandtii is reinstated here.

A new species of Parapercis (Teleostei: Pinguipedidae) from Madagascar

A new species of sandperch is described from the shallow nearshore reefs of the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Mada-gascar. The new species is distinguished from congeners occurring in the region by a unique pigmentation pattern on thecaudal fin comprising two large, oblong black blotches, with the smaller of the two markings located dorsally near the finbase and a much larger and more elongate patch situated ventrally, as well as the presence of numerous smaller blackblotches forming two to three bands distally on the caudal membrane, two longitudinal series of six to nine prominentblack blotches on the mid and lower flank, and the presence of large diffuse dark brown blotches on the snout, lips, cheek and opercle.

A new species of Paretroplus (Teleostei: Cichlidae: Etroplinae) from northeastern Madagascar, with a phylogeny and revised diagnosis for the P. damii clade

Paretroplus loisellei, a new species of etropline cichlid from Madagascar, is described from the middle to lower reaches of the Mahanara River, located to the north of the Masoala Peninsula in northeastern Madagascar. The new species is recovered within the “Paretroplus damii clade” on the basis of several apomorphic anatomical features, including the presence of a triangular, black or dark gray, pectoral-axil patch, chest scales that are greatly reduced in size and highly embedded, and flank scales in which the posterior field is thin and unossified. The new species is distinguished from its sister taxon, P. damii, by a more or less horizontal profile extending from the anterior margin of the lower jaw to the ventroposterior margin of the suspensorium (vs. strongly rounded and convex), horizontally oriented oral jaws with fleshy lips (vs. oblique and thin), tricuspid symphyseal teeth in the upper jaw with distinct and sharp lateral cusps, a much darker overall pigmentation pattern, and distinctive bright golden breeding coloration (vs. brick red).